Jacob Bethell

It was on a freezing cold Friday night in Cardiff that Jacob Bethell announced himself in international cricket. Aged 20, and in his second game for England, he took one of the world's leading white-ball bowlers in Adam Zampa for 20 runs in a single over, adding 90 in 47 balls with Liam Livingstone in a successful chase of 194. He underlined his talent with three unbeaten half-centuries on their subsequent tour to the Caribbean, and was soon thrown into their Test team in New Zealand.

He starred in that series with half-centuries in each of the three Tests, having been inserted at No.3 while Ollie Pope, the incumbent, slipped down the order to deputise as wicketkeeper. Bethell's success ignited a debate that would endure through the following summer, with Pope's role coming under increasing scrutiny - especially when he was stripped of the vice-captaincy ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes. Though Bethell underwhelmed in his one appearance in the home Test series against India, his own credentials were enhanced by his appointment as captain for the T20I tour of Ireland in September. At 21 years and 329 days old, he was the youngest in England's history.

In another world, Bethell could have been playing his international cricket for West Indies: he was born and raised in Barbados, but moved to England as a 13-year-old after winning a scholarship to Rugby School. He quickly joined the youth ranks at Warwickshire, and signed pro terms aged 17, in early 2021. His debut came in the T20 Blast later that year, and he made his name as part of the England Under-19 team that reached the World Cup final in early 2022, hitting 88 from 42 balls in the quarter-final against South Africa.

He continued his upwards trajectory over the next two years and 2024 proved to be his breakthrough season, with impressive showings in the Blast for Warwickshire and the Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix leading to his first England call-ups. He also quickly piqued the interest of T20 franchises around the world, signing deals with Melbourne Renegades, Paarl Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

A batting allrounder, Bethell is a fluent left-handed batter who has enjoyed success in a variety of different roles. He always bowls tidy left-arm spin and is an electric fielder, both in the ring and on the boundary.

ESPNcricinfo staff